16/10/2025
πΏ Regional Gender Justice Program 2025, Closing Dinner and Solidarity Night
π YMCA Manila, Philippines
ποΈ September 24, 2025
The sun was beginning to set over Manila when participants of the Regional Gender Justice Program 2025 gathered for the last time at the YMCA. Over the past five days β from September 20 to 24 β 41 participants from 11 countries had come together, each carrying stories, struggles, and hopes from their communities.
Among the Bangladesh delegation were Chairman Mr. Steve Oscar D. Rozario and General Secretary Mr. Immanuel Boiragy from Chittagong YMCA, who actively contributed to the enriching dialogues centered around the theme: βClimate Justice is Gender Justice.β
Throughout the week, voices rose in conversation and solidarity. Participants from Bangladesh, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Korea, Mongolia, Myanmar, Pakistan, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, and Timor-Leste explored how the climate crisis impacts lives differently, and how justice can only be achieved when gender equity is at its heart.
This program was more than just a series of discussions β it was a space of listening, learning, and transformation.
On the final evening, the atmosphere was both joyful and reflective. The night began with a warm welcome dance from the Ramon Magsaysay High School Dance Troupe, filling the room with color and energy.
Ms. Sunita Suna, APAY Executive Secretary, offered a thoughtful overview of the week, reminding everyone of how far they had come together.
Greetings followed from Dr. Ramon Morales, Mr. Nam Boo Won, Ms. Marshia Mili Gomes, Mr. Danilo A. Sanchez, Mr. Rovin Jhon Cincollagas, and Mr. Orlando F. Carreon (Orly), among others β each acknowledging the power of collective action and shared leadership.
The evening then blossomed into a vibrant cultural program, where participants shared traditional dances, songs, and rituals. Each performance became a window into their heritage and identity. Laughter mingled with music, and in every movement, there was a shared sense of unity β many cultures, one movement - Y Movement.
Dinner followed, rich and festive β a moment that felt like a royal feast shared among friends. Conversations lingered as participants took photos, exchanged contacts, and promised to meet again, not just as friends but as partners in advocacy. Group pictures captured the moment: faces illuminated by smiles, solidarity, and a shared commitment to justice.
These words echoed through the hall as the program came to a close. For many, this was not an ending but the beginning of a new chapter. Each participant left with a clear sense of responsibility β to ensure that climate action is equitable, participatory, and empowering for all genders.
The Regional Gender Justice Program 2025 was not just a learning opportunity; it was a powerful platform for building solidarity across nations. It shaped a shared vision β one where climate justice and gender justice walk hand in hand.
As the night ended, people embraced, sang, and celebrated. The feeling in the room was unmistakable: hope β a collective hope that, through action and unity, a more just and sustainable future can be built.
Together, we rise β for people, for planet, for justice. Together, we walk forwardβbecause climate justice is gender justice, and gender justice brings climate justice.
